To the Sheer Love of Madness - Team EWE

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Title: To the Sheer Love of Madness
Team: Epilogue, What Epilogue?
Author: winnett
Prompt: The Hermit
Wordcount: 23,000
Rating: R
Warnings: None
Summary: Voldemort was gone. The Death Eaters were gone. Unfortunately, Harry Potter's mind was gone as well.
Author's Note: The Hermit signifies that each person must find his own way and own truth, governing

Comments

[romaine24]

I had to read this one twice. The first time there were too many distractions around me and I knew I was missing the beauty of this story. And now after the second time, I know I did. I loved Draco as the Dissident and Harry just broke my heart over and over again. While the ending was sad in many respects, I felt happy in one, magic had hurt Harry too much. The side characters of Luna, Teddy, and Pansy were spectacular. I loved Teddy having unconditional love for Harry.

[winnett]

Twice! I hope that is a good sign. ;) I'm pleased that you enjoyed this story enough to focus on it a second time. (I understand distractions!) I've wanted to write Teddy for a while and was really pleased with how he came out. I might have to do it again! I'm happy you enjoyed, and thank you for reading and reviewing.

[auselysium]

"They sat there like that, holding hands, as the sun raced across the sky, pulling the darkness behind it."

Beautiful!

Thanks!

[winnett]

*blush* Thank you so much! I'm happy that phrase touched you. :)

[coffeejunkii]

what a creative story! one of the most original plots i've seen in this fest. also, what a sad story--i feel for both harry and draco's losses. especially for harry, i guess, because he was used to kill those closest to him. i adore your descriptions of how harry and draco get closer, like when harry asks to start sleeping in draco's bed or when they sit on the stone together, holding hands. i'm so glad this has a happy ending, and i'd like to imagine that harry and draco find peace together.

[winnett]

Wow! Really? What a compliment. :) Yes, I think that Harry and Draco find peace together in Draco's mountain hideaway. Teddy stopping by to say hi every so often, Pansy dropping by to mock them. :) They deserve it.

[taguon]

The whole story was gorgeous, but especially the ending dialogue touched me ♥ Great great work.

[winnett]

Great! Thank you for letting me know. :)

To the Sheer Love of Madness

[catsintheattic]

I really enjoyed the voices of Draco and Harry, the rang very true to their characters. Draco's snark and insults, his try for light-hearted banter, the different personalities of Harry - they made for a wonderful dynamic. Their relationship grew slowly, like the Knei Weed plant. <3 You made Pansy such a great Slytherin, and I loved her so much, even when she was focused on the task and nothing else.

You've captured the loneliness and loss so brilliantly. Harry's pain was more obvious through his mental illness, while Draco's well hidden suffering took longer to sink in.

sadness wrapped around him like a straight jacket. - that metaphor hit me so hard. The language had such a dreamlike quality, a bit like a fairy tale. It fit the surreal feeling of story.

Lucius' end and his decay reminded me of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

So, thank you for an entrancing read.

Re: To the Sheer Love of Madness

[winnett]

Their relationship grew slowly, like the Knei Weed plant.

Yes! Exactly. You couldn't have Dissident!Draco and Crazy!Harry falling into smoochy love without that time.

I'm excited that you enjoyed this story so much. I appreciate your review! Thank you thank you! Harry's and Draco's pain was important and sometimes I feel bad for putting them through that, but if it gets them to happiness, well... it was worth it, wasn't it?

Thanks for reading!